Prefabricated Modular Constructive System

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a prefabricated modular building system comprising a plurality of structural frames and connection means which horizontally and vertically join the structural frames, where the structural frames are hyperstatic and self-supporting with a closed cross-section and hyperstatic and self-supporting with an open cross-section. A building structure is formed with a plurality of structural frames interconnected horizontally and vertically in assemblies arranged such that, on the same level or on vertically arranged leveld, there is a sequence of assemblies of structural frames and empty spaces. The plurality of structural frames is horizontally and vertically connected and arranged on other structural frames in a vertical sequence of assemblies of structural frames and empty spaces.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of prefabricated modularbuilding systems for housing construction and construction projects ingeneral.

PRIOR ART DESCRIPTION

Prior art addresses different proposals of prefabricated modularbuilding systems, developed in order to allow for economical and speedybuilding construction of modular prefabricated systems. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,441 relates to buildings made up of recycledintermodal containers, sometimes called maritime containers or ISOcontainers. For use in buildings, containers require extensivemodifications, such as cutting or removing sidewalls in order to allowfor windows or doors. In addition, the construction is limited to awidth of 2.44 m and a length of 6.06 m or 12.19 m, which in turn limitsthe room size to fit within these dimensions.

In general, prefabricated modular building systems are attractivebecause simplified and repetitive assembly of parts offers thepossibility of erecting a construction project quickly while drasticallyreducing waste, losses, and multiple learning curves common toconventional construction. In spite of this, there is the perceptionthat the quality and versatility of the “prefabricated” buildings islower to that of buildings manufactured conventionally. This is partlydue to the materials used, such as cargo containers, which has created astigma associated with the construction term “prefabricated modularbuilding systems”.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,665,250 addresses structures assembled from acombination of modules and uses, for the combination of said modules,module framing blocks, corner arch blocks, and other types of elementsinterlocking with corner blocks, and central blocks, which makes thissystem and many others in prior art complex systems, given the amount ofnecessary pieces to form a module.

This invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations associatedwith several floors, modular construction and conventional constructionmethods to produce an energy efficient structure that can be built on atight schedule, low cost and continue operating at very low maintenancecosts, allowing for flexible construction with few elements to form amodule and also allowing quick assembly for multiple purposes withresistant elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1, shows an isometric view of a complete structural frame having aclosed cross-section.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of an open cross-section structural framewhere the shape of the cross-section cut is an open-perimeter shapehaving U-shaped curves.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of an open cross-section structural framewhere the shape of the cross-section cut is an open-perimeter shapehaving C-shaped curves.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of a closed cross-section structuralframe formed by the joining of open cross-section structural frames,wherein the cross-section has an open perimeter shape having C-shapedcurves.

FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of a closed cross-section structuralframe formed by the joining of open cross-section structural frames,wherein the cross-section has an open perimeter shape having U-shapedcurves.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of an open cross-section structural framewherein the cross-section cut shape is an open perimeter shape havingU-shaped curves, whereby it reduces its weight by means of perforations.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of an open cross-section structural framewherein the cross-section cut shape is an open perimeter shape havingC-shaped curves, whereby it reduces its weight by means of perforations.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a structural frame having a plurality ofrecesses or structural ribs.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of a structural reinforcement of a floor-typestructural frame.

FIG.10 shows a side view of a structural reinforcement of afacility-type structural frame.

FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of a facility-type structural frame withat least one perforation.

FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of a roof-type structural frame locatedon the second horizontal slab (4) having a sloping surface (16)connected to a drainage channel (17) and water collection ducts (18).

FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of a roof-type structural frame locatedon the second horizontal slab (4) having two sloping surfaces (16)connected to a drainage channel (17).

FIG. 14 shows different side views of elements from the group from whichconnecting means that join the structural frames both horizontally andvertically, are selected.

FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of a structural frame wherein theconnecting means that horizontally join the structural frames areZ-shaped flat bars.

FIG. 16 shows an isometric view of a Z-shaped flat bar.

FIG. 17 shows an isometric view of a structural frame wherein theconnecting means that horizontally and vertically join the structuralframes are geometric assemblies formed by supports (31) between slabs onone side of the structural frame.

FIG. 18 shows an isometric view of a structural frame wherein theconnecting means that horizontally and vertically join the structuralframes are geometric assemblies formed by supports (31) between slabs onboth sides of the structural frame.

FIG. 19 shows an isometric view of a structural frame wherein thehorizontal connecting means between the structural frames is a flexibleelement.

FIG. 20 shows an isometric view of a plurality of structural framesusing continuous structural elements such as post-stressed metal wires(33) with the joined structural frames.

FIG. 21 shows an isometric view of a plurality of structural framesusing continuous structural elements such as post-stressed metal wires(33) without joining the structural frames.

FIG. 22 shows a cut view of a building structure formed by theprefabricated modular building systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates to a modular prefabricated building systemformed by: a plurality of structural frames; connecting means thatconnect the structural frames both horizontally and vertically.

Wherein the structural frames are hyperstatic and self-supporting havinga closed cross-section and also hyperstatic and self-supporting havingan open cross-section. Said frames do not require additional structuresto support each other. One or more structural frames, both individuallyor collectively.

Structural frames are connected to each other, both horizontally andvertically, creating modules that make up different types ofconstructions, structures and buildings of one or more floors.

Structural frames, in their cut cross section shape, generate a closedperimeter geometrical shape that is selected from the group consistingof parallelograms, circles, polygons, trapezoids, and combinationsthereof. This type of structural frame is called a closed cross-sectionstructural frame.

The subject invention also depicts structural frames in which thegeometrical shape of its cut cross section generates an open perimetershape that is selected from the group consisting of open curves, openpolygonal lines and combinations thereof. This type of structural frameis called an open cross-section structural frame.

The open cross-section structural frames are joined together, formingclosed cross-section structural frames.

The structural frames are connected with a vertical slab and ahorizontal slab, thus forming building structures.

Structural frames are connected both horizontally and vertically, insets located in such a way that at the same level or height, there is asequence of sets of structural frames and empty spaces that form abuilding structure.

The structural frames are connected both horizontally and vertically,located on other structural frames, in a height-wise sequence of sets ofstructural frames and empty spaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention consists of a prefabricated modular buildingsystem formed by:

-   -   a plurality of structural frames;    -   connecting means that connect both horizontally and vertically        the structural frames ;

Wherein the structural frames are hyperstatic and self-supporting havinga closed cross-section and also hyperstatic and self-supporting havingan open cross-section, wherein said structural frames do not needadditional structures to support each other, either together orindividually.

The structural frames can be connected one over the other, bothhorizontally and vertically, creating modules that make up differenttypes of constructions, structures and buildings of one or more floors.

In a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention, the structural framesare connected by connection means to

-   -   a vertical slab; and/or    -   a horizontal slab ;

Wherein said connecting means are selected from the group comprising:rigid inner joints (such as reinforced steel welded together, mortar andmetal flat bars, mechanical joints through metal rods, mechanical jointsthrough bolts or screws and combinations thereof).

The following describes in detail each one of the elements listed above:

The structural frames have dimensions that adapt according to therequirements of the architectural project, the requirements of thevehicles to transport said structural frames and the requirements of themachinery used for its transportion and installation on site (e.g.cranes).

The prefabricated modular building system adopts different geometricalshapes for the structural frames, which allows for the design of modularelements and their connections, according to the formal characteristicsrequired in each construction project.

The structural frames have a closed perimeter shape in their crosssection, which is selected from the group consisting of parallelograms,circles, polygons, trapezoids and combinations thereof This type ofstructural frame is called a closed cross-section structural frame.

Additionally, the invention has structural frames in which the shape ofits cross-section is an open-perimeter shape, selected from open curves,open polygonal lines and combinations thereof. This type of structuralframe is called an open cross-section structural frame.

The configuration of the subject invention will be described using FIGS.1 to 22, but it should be understood that this may have variations whichare not showed herein, as this disclosure is limited to describe thepreferred embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, we observed a closed cross-section structural framecomprised of:

-   -   a first vertical slab (1) ;    -   a second vertical slab (2);    -   a first horizontal slab (3) joined to the first vertical slab        (1) and to the second vertical slab (2) at the bottom;    -   a second horizontal slab (4) joined to the first vertical slab        (1) and the second vertical slab (2) at the top.

Wherein joining the first horizontal slab (3) with the first verticalslab (1) and with the second vertical slab (2) at the bottom and joiningthe second horizontal slab (4) to the first vertical slab (1) with thesecond vertical slab (2) at the top, is made by means of differentjoining mechanisms such as: welding between metal flat bars, bolt androd assemblies and tongue and groove joints between parts.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first horizontal slab (3) joinsto the first vertical slab (1) and with the second vertical slab (2) inits bottom and the second horizontal slab (4) joins the first verticalslab (1) and with the second vertical slab (2) at the top, by means of aconcrete casting, which make the structural frame a monolithic element.In said concrete casting, the provision of structural reinforcements ismade to allow for overlaps between said reinforcements.

The structural frames define a closed inner space with preferreddimensions, said inner space being established with the first verticalslab (1), with the second vertical slab (2), with the lower horizontalslab (3) and with the upper horizontal slab (4). A single vertical slaband a single horizontal slab can also be used to establish the innerspace. The other vertical and horizontal elements can be constructed inother materials such as concrete castings, prefabricated in concrete,masonry in concrete or brick, stone, metal, light modular elements likedrywall or the like, wood or metal.

The dimensions of the structural frames correspond to the proportionsproposed for the construction project and change according to thestructural calculation, the length of the horizontal slabs, the heightof the buildings and the load capacity of the terrain.

In an embodiment of the invention a structural frame has a dimension of:

-   -   5.80 meters between the outer surfaces of the first vertical        slab (1) and 5.50 meters between the inner surfaces of said        slab.    -   5.80 meters between the outer surfaces of the second vertical        slab (2) and 5.50 meters between the inner surfaces of said        slab.    -   2.80 meters between the outer surfaces of the first horizontal        slab (3).    -   2.80 meters between the outer surfaces of the second horizontal        slab (4).    -   2.40 meters between the inner surfaces of the first horizontal        slab (3).    -   2.40 meters between the inner surfaces of the second horizontal        slab (4).

2.00 meters between the outer edges of the vertical slabs in thetransverse direction, or between the outer edges of the horizontal slabsin the transverse direction.

Wherein the first vertical slab (1), the second vertical slab (2), thefirst horizontal slab (3) and the second horizontal slab (4) are 15centimeters thick for buildings of up to 5 floors high.

In an embodiment of the invention, the thicknesses of the first verticalslab (1) and the second vertical slab (2) are:

-   -   For buildings up to 5 floors, the thickness is up to 15        centimeters.    -   For buildings up to 10 floors, the thickness is up to 18        centimeters.    -   For buildings up to 15 floors, the thickness is up to 20        centimeters.    -   For buildings up to 20 floors, the thickness is up to 22        centimeters.    -   For buildings up to 25 floors, the thickness is up to 25        centimeters.    -   For buildings up to 30 floors, the thickness is up to 30        centimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention, with the first vertical slab (1) andthe second vertical slab (2) separated at a distance of up to 6.00meters, the thickness of the first horizontal slab (3) and the secondhorizontal slab (4) is up to 20 centimeters and the thickness of thefirst vertical slab (1) and the second vertical slab (2), in order tosupport this type of structural frame, is 15 centimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention, with the first vertical slab (1) andthe second vertical slab (2) separated at a distance of 10 meters, thefirst horizontal slab (3) and the second horizontal slab (3) have athickness of up to 50 centimeters and the thickness of the firstvertical slab (1) and the second vertical slab (2), to support this typeof structural frame, is 20 centimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention, with the first vertical slab (1) anda second vertical slab (2) separated at a distance of 15 meters, thefirst horizontal slab (3) and the second horizontal slab (3) have athickness of up to 75 centimeters and the thickness of the firstvertical slab (1) and the second vertical slab (2), to support this typeof structural frame, is up to 25 centimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention, with the first vertical slab (1) anda second vertical slab (2) separated at a distance of 20 meters, thefirst horizontal slab (3) and the second horizontal slab (3) have athickness of up to 100 centimeters and the thickness of the firstvertical slab (1) and the second vertical slab (2), to support this typeof structural frame, is up to 30 centimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention, referring to FIG. 2, note the use ofopen cross-section structural frames, where the cross section shape ofthe open cross-section structural frame is an open perimeter shape madeof open polygonal U-shaped lines comprising:

-   -   a first vertical slab (5).    -   a second vertical slab (6).    -   a horizontal slab (7) joined to the first vertical slab (1) and        to the second vertical slab (2).

In an embodiment of the invention, referring to FIG. 3, the opencross-section structural frames, in its cross section have an openperimeter shape made of open polygonal C-shaped lines comprising:

-   -   A first horizontal slab (8)    -   A second horizontal slab (9).    -   A vertical slab (10) joined to the first horizontal slab (8) and        to the second horizontal slab (9).

In the subject invention, the open cross-section structural frames arejoined together, forming closed cross-section structural frames.

In an embodiment of the invention, with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5,the open cross-section structural frames are joined together to formclosed cross-section structural frames; i.e., in the shape of theircross-section, they have a closed-perimeter shape, said joints are madefor example through assemblies between their elements, simple supports,internal or external welding, mechanical fastenings (such as bolts, rodsor screws), or through post-stressing of structural wires.

In an embodiment of the invention the connection between the verticaland horizontal slab or between two open sections of structural frameshave a preferred angle of 90°. The ranges of these joints are between 0°and 180°.

In an embodiment of the invention, the structural frames reduce theirweight by combining different textures and shapes, including horizontalor vertical perforations on the surfaces of the structural frames andthrough the material of which they are made.

In an embodiment of the invention, referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7,alveoli (11) exist within the structural frames, i.e. horizontal orvertical perforations which may pass through or not, in order to lightenthe weight of the elements without reducing their carrying capacity.

Further, the alveoli (11) have curved or straight geometrical shapes andhave different dimensions, depending on the thicknesses of the firstvertical slab (1), the second vertical slab (2), the first horizontalslab (3) and the second horizontal slab (4).

In an embodiment of the invention, the size of the alveoli is 15centimeters in diameter for the first horizontal slab (3) and the secondhorizontal slab (3) is 20 centimeters thick and 10 centimeters indiameter for the first vertical slab (1) and the second vertical slab(2) is 15 centimeters thick.

The alveoli are sized proportional to the thickness of the vertical andhorizontal slabs. At a minimum, they should be spaced from the edge oftheir surfaces preferably 2 centimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention, structural frames have air cavitiesin the concrete from which they are made, and this way their weight isreduced.

In an embodiment of the invention, the structural frames have innerexpanded polystyrene, thus reducing their weight.

In an embodiment of the invention, the structural frames are made withcellular concrete, which contains injected air, reducing the density ofthe structural frames without decreasing their load capacity.

In a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention, the surfaces of thestructural frames have different shapes which can reduce the volume ofthe material forming them, such as lightening or recesses, whichgenerate textures and reduce the volume of the originally requiredmaterial without decreasing the load capacity of the structural element.

In an embodiment of the invention, referring to FIG. 8, the structuralframes have a plurality of recesses or structural ribs (12) formed bystraight or curved shapes and generate a structural lattice.

In a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention, in the firsthorizontal slab (3) and the second horizontal slab (4) and the firstvertical slab (1) and the second vertical slab (2) of the structuralframes, the recesses or ribs (12) decrease the amount of material withwhich the structural frames are produced, reduce their weight, increasetheir rigidity and generate different shapes on the surfaces of saidframes.

In an embodiment of the invention, the spaces between the structuralribs have a curved surface, with a curvature radius of for examplebetween 3 and 15 centimeters.

The structural frames have structural reinforcements located in theslabs that comprise them.

Structural reinforcements can be:

-   -   Rigid and continuous, like steel elements that can reinforce a        matrix or directly conform the structure of the structural        frames.    -   Flexible and continuous, like textile reinforcements or metallic        wires that are used for structural post-stressing.    -   Discontinuous such as fiberglass, steel fibers or nanomaterials        integrated into the material matrix with which structural frames        are made.

The structural reinforcements are selected from the group consisting ofmetal rods, meshes and combinations thereof.

Meshes, in some embodiments are constructed of polymers, wires, textilereinforcements, natural fibers, fiberglass or synthetic fibers.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, the structural reinforcements arejoined together by elements selected from the group consisting ofwelding, overlaps, wire mooring and combinations thereof.

The overlaps in structural reinforcements measure anywhere between 5 and50 centimeters. These joints is carried out through metal wire mooringthat fix the reinforcements together.

In an embodiment of the invention, reinforcements are also pre-stressingsystems that, through stress exerted on wires serving as reinforcement,increase structural strength and reduce the thicknesses of vertical andhorizontal slabs.

These structural reinforcements and their location in the slabs thatform the structural frames are determined from aspects such as the sizeof the structural frames, the loads upon which the structural frames aresubject to, and the load capacity of the terrain, among others.

In a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention, the structuralreinforcements copy the shape of the plurality of recesses or structuralribs (12) and adapt to the thickness of the lightened slabs.

In an embodiment of the invention and taking into account the structuralreinforcements, the structural frames are of three types:

-   -   floor-type structural frames,    -   facility-type structural frames,    -   roof-type structural frames.

The floor-type structural frame is installed on the surface of theground making the second horizontal slab (4) stay in contact with theground, it is preferred that the ground be level and improved in itsload capacity, according to terrain resistance found and with thespecifications established from soil studies and structural designs ofthe construction project.

The floor-type structural frame has structural reinforcements in itsfirst horizontal slab (3) so as to support the terrain reaction loads.

In an embodiment of the invention, the structural reinforcements of thefirst horizontal slab (3) of the floor type frame have the largerdiameter reinforcing elements at the top of the first horizontal slab(3) and the smaller diameter reinforcing elements at the bottom of thehorizontal slab (3).

In an embodiment of the invention, with reference to FIG. 9, thestructural reinforcement of the floor type frame in its first horizontalslab (3) is given by:

A steel mesh with dimensions of ½″ (14) in diameter located on the topof the first horizontal slab (3) and a steel mesh with dimensions of ⅜″(13) in diameter located on the bottom of the first horizontal slab.

The first vertical slab (1) and the second vertical slab (2) have asteel mesh reinforcement with a diameter of ½″ (14).

In the second horizontal slab (4) which is of structural steel mesh withpreferential dimensions of ½″ (44) in diameter at its bottom. And at thetop of the second horizontal slab (4) the preferred reinforcement ofthis slab is a steel mesh with preferential dimensions of ⅜″ (43) indiameter.

In a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention the meshes areseparated from the surface of the structural frame by a distance of forexample 2 centimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention the spacing between the rods formingthe structural reinforcement meshes has a preferred dimension of 10centimeters between them. The ranges of this separation go from 5×5centimeters to 50×50 centimeters.

The Facility-type structural frame is installed on the structural frameof the floor type.

In an embodiment of the invention and referring to FIG. 10 thestructural reinforcement of the facility-type structural frames is madeup as follows:

-   -   The first horizontal slab (3) has a steel mesh reinforcement        with dimensions of ½″ (14) in diameter at its bottom. In the top        of the first horizontal slab (3) the preferred reinforcement is        a steel mesh with dimensions of ⅜″ (13) in diameter.

In a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention, the meshes areseparated from the surface of the structural frame by a distance of forexample 2 centimeters.

-   -   The second horizontal slab (4) has a preferred steel mesh        reinforcement with dimensions of ½″ (14) in diameter at its        bottom. At the top of the second horizontal slab (4) the        reinforcement is a structural steel mesh with preferred        dimensions of ⅜″ (13) in diameter.

In a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention the meshes areseparated from the surface of the structural frame by a distance of forexample 2 centimeters

-   -   The first vertical slab (1) and the second vertical slab (2)        have a steel mesh reinforcement on their outer and inner faces        with a diameter of ½″ (14).

In a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention the meshes areseparated from the surface of the structural frame by a distance of forexample 2 centimeters

The spacing between the rods that form the structural reinforcement meshhas a preferred of 10 cm between them. The ranges of this separation gofrom 5×5 centimeters to 50×50 centimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention and referring to FIG. 11, thefacilities-type structural frames have at least one perforation (15) forthe passage of ducts for installation of elements such as pipes, ducts,electrical and hydro-sanitary networks, voice and data networks, andother technical systems required in construction. This drilling islocated according to the location of the bathroom, kitchen and clothingspaces of each housing unit. Its location in the upper and lowerhorizontal slabs can coincide or can be located at two different pointsbetween different structural frames, which causes the pipes to beattached to the lower or upper part of the structural frames.

The hydro-sanitary system works as the set of pipelines for thetransport of the water supply to the living spaces (for consumption) anddrainage (water used). The openings or perforations for the passage ofthese ducts or installations, are for example in one of the structuralframes that form the modular prefabricated building system,.

These perforations have for example circular shapes or in parallelepipedshapes, with dimensions of 12 centimeters and a range with diameters orwidths from 1 centimeter up to 50 centimeters for locating all thenecessary technical ducts.

In an embodiment of the invention, the roof-type structural frame,located on the second horizontal slab (4), has at least one slopingsurface that is connected to a drainage channel and even watercollection ducts.

Referring to FIG. 12, the roof-type structural frame located on thesecond horizontal slab (4), has a sloping surface (16) which isconnected to a drain channel (17) and to water collection ducts (18).

In an embodiment and referring to FIG. 13 the roof-type structural framelocated on the second horizontal slab (4), has two sloping surfaces (16)that connect to a drainage channel (17).

The preferred diameter for the structural reinforcements of the lowerpart of the lower and upper horizontal slabs of the roof-type structuralframes is ½″. The preferred diameter for the structural reinforcementsof the top part of the lower and upper horizontal slabs of the roof-typeis ⅜″. The range of reinforcement diameters for the horizontalstructural slabs of the facilities-type structural frames is between ⅛″and 3″.

The preferred diameter of the structural reinforcements of the verticalslabs for the roof-type structural frames is ½″. The reinforcements ofthe vertical structural slabs of the roof-type structural frames have arange from ⅛″ to 3″.

The spacing between the rods forming the structural reinforcement meshfor the vertical, upper horizontal and lower horizontal slabs has apreferred dimension of 10×10 centimeters and a separation range from 1×1centimeter to 50×50 centimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention, the sloped surfaces of the roof-typestructural frames have waterproofing mortars installed on the outersurface of the second horizontal slab (4). These mortars should have aslope for example of 5% towards the drainage channels, but they canrange between 1% and 45%.

The sloping surface is waterproofed.

In an embodiment of the invention the sloping surfaces have textilewaterproofing agents, which are fixed to the outer surface of thisstructural slab with waterproofing mortars, with heat or with resins.

-   -   The elements for the roof waterproofing can be entirely        contained within the materials with which the structural frames        are made. They can also be additional elements that are        installed in the joints or on the surface of the structural        frames. These waterproofing agents can be fluids (waterproofing        mortars or silicones), flexible (neoprene, gums or rubbers), or        rigid (metal joints or in other solid materials such as        polymers) and guarantee water tightness and control of water        seepage into the living space and into the structure of the        modular structural frames.

Connection means joining the structural frames both horizontally andvertically:

The connection means joining horizontally and vertically the structuralframes, rigidify the joints between the structural frames and in thepreferred embodiments of the invention achieve the impermeabilitybetween their joints and allow the elaboration of constructive projectsjoining the structural frames as a modular prefabricated system.

Referring to FIG. 14, the connecting means joining horizontally andvertically the structural frames are selected from the group comprisinginner rigid joints, such as reinforced steel (19) joined with welding(20), overlapped (21), geometrical assemblies, chamfer assemblies (22),tongue and groove (23), with simple supports or with mortar, metal flatbars (24), mechanical joints using metal rods (25), mechanical jointsusing bolts or screws (26) and combinations thereof.

In a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention the connecting meansjoining horizontally and vertically the structural frames are selectedfrom the group comprising plates, bolts, rods or the like, andcombinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention are installed at least between twostructural frames. The plates and bolts effect a mechanical connectionbetween the structural frames as being a connecting element betweenthem. The rods are installed inside the vertical and horizontal slabs ofthe structural frames to make an assembly between at least two of them,which is reinforced with welds or with emptying of structural mastics,mortars of high strength or similar.

In a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention, the connecting meansjoining horizontally and vertically the structural frames are selectedfrom the group comprising mastics, mortars, concretes or the like andcombinations thereof and are used for example without the need toinstall rigid connectors such as flat bars or the like.

In an embodiment of the invention and referring to FIG. 14 theconnecting means joining horizontally and vertically the structuralframes form angles of attachment of 90° with rigid inner joints, such asreinforcing steels (11) joined together by welding (12) or overlapped(13) with a preferred length of 20 centimeters. For the construction ofthese overlaps between the rigid inner joints has a range between 5 and50 centimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention and Referring to FIG. 14 theconnecting Means connecting horizontally and vertically the structuralframes makes the connections through chamfered assemblies (14) or tongueand groove (15) with simple supports or with mortars of paste.

In an embodiment of the invention and Referring to FIG. 14 theconnecting means joining horizontally and vertically the structuralframes makes connections by simple supports between the vertical slabs,i.e. the first vertical slab (1) or the second vertical slab (2) and thehorizontal slabs, i.e. the the first horizontal slab (3) or the secondhorizontal slab (4) and reinforced with mortars of paste between thevertical and horizontal slabs.

In an embodiment of the invention and Referring to FIG. 14 theconnecting means joining horizontally and vertically the structuralframes are external joints with metal flat bars (16) with preferreddimensions of 10×10 centimeters and calibers of 2 millimeters (rangingfrom 2×2 centimeters to 30×30 centimeters of area and calibers between 2and 10 millimeters).

In an embodiment of the invention and Referring to FIG. 14 Theconnecting Means joining horizontally and vertically the structuralframes are mechanical joints through metal rods (17) with a preferreddiameter of ½″, with ranges between ¼ and 2″.

In an embodiment of the invention and Referring to FIG. 14 theconnecting means joining horizontally and vertically the structuralframes are mechanical joints through bolts or screws (18) with preferreddiameters of ½″, with ranges between ¼ and 2″, and preferred lengths of10 centimeters, with ranges between 5 and 20 centimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention and Referring to FIG. 14 Theconnecting Means joining horizontally and vertically the structuralframes are external joints with metal flat bars (16) welded together,with preferred dimensions of 10×10 centimeters and calibers of 2millimeters, with ranges between 2×2 centimeters up to 30×30 centimetersof area and calibers between 2 and 10 millimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention and Referring to FIG. 14 Theconnecting Means joining horizontally and vertically the structuralframes are inner joints with reinforcing metal rods (17) overlapped atthe corners in the form of hook or cane, welded or joined by structuralmoorings with metal wires. The preferred length of the overlap is 20centimeters, with a range between 5 and 50 centimeters.

In an embodiment of the invention the installation of rigid structuralelements such as metal rods (17) are inserted with a depth of 90centimeters in each structural frame. The depth of these metal rodsranges between 30 and 150 centimeters per structural frame. The diameteris in a range between ⅜″ to 3″ preferably it is of 1″.

The structural frame that is vertically attached to the lower structuralframe must leave perforations in its vertical slabs with a preferreddiameter of 1″, with ranges between ⅜″ and 3″ to make the joint withepoxies mastics or high strength mortars which are installed in theperforations of the vertical slabs to increase rigidity.

In an embodiment of the invention and referring to FIG. 14, theconnecting Means joining horizontally and vertically the structuralframes are geometrical assemblies, located in the elements edges, whichconnect the pieces together, stiffening them by friction.

In an embodiment of the invention and referring to FIG. 14, theconnecting Means joining horizontally and vertically the structuralframes are geometrical assemblies by a chamfer (14) in the edge of ofthe structural frames with an angle a range from 15° to 75° preferably45°.

In an embodiment of the invention and referring to FIG. 15 theconnecting Means joining horizontally the structural frames are flatbars in “Z” (27), which are fixed to the upper structural frames throughbolts, screws or welds.

Referring to FIG. 16 The bonding sheet has three surfaces: an uppervertical (28), a horizontal (29) and a lower vertical (30). Between theupper vertical flap and the horizontal flap, the preferred joint angleis 90° and has a range between 0° and 180° measured from the surfaces ofthe structural structural frames that are attached. Between thehorizontal flap and the lower vertical flap, the preferred attachmentangle is 90° and have a range between 0° and −180°, also measured fromthe surfaces of the structural structural frames which these flaps link.

The fins forming the bonding sheet have a preferred caliber of 2millimeters, with a range between 0.5 and 10 millimeters. They can belocated in each one of the structural structural frames, to increase thesystem rigidity. The preferred location of these elements is at theouter edge of each structural frame. The joining sheets may also be atthe joining of two structural structural frames, or at any part of thesurface of the horizontal slabs of the framing frames. The bondingsheets may be attached to the structural frames through bolts, flatbars, or be embedded in the emptying process.

The angles of the joints between the structural structural frames areset according to the geometry defined from the architectural designs.

The dimensions of one of these flat bars referring to FIG. 16 is forexample In its upper vertical fin (28), the preferred length of the flatbar in “Z” is 15 centimeters in height. This dimension has rangesbetween 2 and 30 centimeters in height. On its horizontal flap (29) Inits lower vertical flap (30), the preferred length of the flat bar in“Z” is 15 centimeters. This dimension has a range between 2 and 30centimeters in length. The preferred caliber is 2 millimeters and can bevaried in a range of 2 to 10 millimeters, according to the structuralcalculations performed for each case.

The dimensions are directly proportional to the thickness of thevertical slabs in the different heights of the system, and for example 2millimeters more on each side to guarantee the assembly between the flatbars and the slabs of the structural frames.

In an embodiment of the invention and referring to the Referring toFIGS. 17 and FIG. 18 the connecting means joining horizontally andvertically the structural frames are geometrical assemblies formed bysupports (31) between slabs of the structural frame.

In an embodiment of the invention, the connecting means joininghorizontally and vertically the structural frames are a flexible elementsuch as neoprene, rubbers or the like located on the edges of thevertical and horizontal slabs of the structural frames, and they finishadhering by the pressure that is made to join the structural framestogether.

In an embodiment of the invention and referring to FIG. 19, thehorizontal connecting means between the structural frames is a flexibleelement such as neoprene, rubbers or the like (32). These elements areinstalled on the edges of the vertical and horizontal slabs of thestructural frames, and they finish adhering by the pressure that is madeto join the structural frames together.

In an embodiment of the invention and referring to FIG. 19, waterproofelastic gaskets covering a portion of the edge section of a structuralframe.

In an embodiment of the invention, the flexible element (32) isinstalled between the structural frames with a thickness of between 5millimeters and 10 millimeters. These seals are located in the edges ofthe horizontal and vertical structural slabs and adhere to them by thepressure that is made to join the structural frames.

In an embodiment of the invention and referring to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21,continuous structural elements such as post-tensioning metal wires (33)which are used inside the structural frames in the longitudinal ortransverse direction through ducts with a diameter, for example of ½″,and through the tensions made, join the structural frames with eachother.

For the construction of the buildings and referring to FIG. 22 In thebuilding the support structure is constructed with the arrangement ofthe structural frames assemblies (34). The structural frames are made insuch a way that there is an empty space (35) i.e. Habitable spaces andempty spaces that form for example courtyards between two sets ofstructural frames and thus form a living space.

The arrangement of the structural frames is made in such a way that atthe same level or in height there is a sequence of sets of structuralframes and empty spaces. Structural frame assemblies that are installedon other structural frames also continue the sequence in height ofstructural and empty frame assemblies. In this way, the structuralelements necessary for the construction of a building leave spaces thatcan be used as living spaces.

A cover (36) is added between some sets of structural frames, therebyforming a new living space.

An open section structural frame can also be added where the geometricshape of its cross section in cut of the open section structural frameis an open perimeter geometry formed of open polygonal lines in “U”shape (37) supported on another structural frame, forms a new livingspace. At the upper level, the voids (6) between the structural framesare covered with a cover (36)

The facades, which are the front spaces of the structural frames andthat are delimited by the vertical and horizontal slabs.

The facades, interior divisions and roofs are constructed withnon-structural elements with various architectural forms and structuralor non-structural elements with materials according to the weather, theprovision of economic and material resources, or cultural tradition suchas: metal sheets, masonry in brick or concrete, concrete emptied orprefabricated soil, metal, glass, wood, dry-wall type light modulardivisions or similar, natural or synthetic agglomerates, polymers, amongothers.

In an embodiment of the invention in the empty left by the installationof the structural frames located on the top floor of the building, atleast one cover will be installed which will carry the rainwater throughchannels to be carried out. Said cover can be curved, straight orsloping lines or combinations of the above and has a slope for exampleof 2% and conduits towards channels of rainwater collection and can bemetallic, emptied in concrete, constructed with brick, wood, clay tile,concrete blocks or textile materials.

1. A prefabricated modular building system comprising: a plurality ofstructural frames; connecting means that connect the structural framesboth horizontally and vertically; wherein the structural frames arehyperstatic and self-supporting with a closed cross-section and thestructural frames are also hyperstatic and self-supporting with an opencross-section.
 2. The building system of claim 1, characterized in thatthe structural frame of the shape of the cross-section cut is a closedperimeter geometrical shape which is selected from the group consistingof parallelograms, circles, polygons, trapezoids and combinationsthereof.
 3. The building system of claim 1, characterized in that thestructural frame of the shape of the cross-section cut is anopen-perimeter geometrical shape which is selected from open curves,open polygonal lines and combinations thereof.
 4. The building system ofclaim 1, wherein the structural frame comprises a first vertical slab(1); a second vertical slab (2); a first horizontal slab (3) joined tothe first vertical slab (1) and to the second vertical slab (2) at itsbottom; a second horizontal slab (4) joined to the first vertical slab(1) and to the second vertical slab (2) at the top.
 5. The buildingsystem of claim 1, wherein the structural frame is filled withreinforced concrete.
 6. The building system of claim 1 wherein the opencross-section structural frame comprises: A first vertical slab (5); Asecond vertical slab (6); A horizontal slab (7) joined to the firstvertical slab (1) and to the second vertical slab (2); wherein thegeometrical shape of the cross section cut of the open cross-sectionstructural frame is an open perimeter geometrical shape formed by openU-shaped polygonal lines.
 7. The building system of claim 1, wherein theopen cross-section structural frame comprises: A first horizontal slab(8); A second horizontal slab (9); a vertical slab (10) joined to thefirst horizontal slab (8) and to the second horizontal slab (9); whereinthe geometrical shape of the cross-section cut of the open cross-sectionstructural frame is an open perimeter geometrical shape formed by openC-shaped polygonal lines.
 8. The building system of claim 4, wherein thestructural frame has structural reinforcements that withstand theterrain reaction loads.
 9. The building system of claim 1, wherein twoopen cross-section structural frames are joined together to form closedcross-section structural frames.
 10. The building system of claim 1,wherein the structural frames have horizontal or vertical perforations.11. The building system of claim 1, wherein the structural frames haveair cavities within the structural frames.
 12. The building system ofclaim 1, wherein the structural frames have polystyrene expanded withinsaid structural frames.
 13. The building system of claim 1, wherein thestructural frames are made of cellular concrete.
 14. The building systemof claim 1, wherein the structural frames have a plurality of recessesforming structural ribs.
 15. The building system of claim 1,characterized in that the structural frames are connected by connectionmeans to: a vertical slab; a horizontal slab.
 16. The building system ofclaim 1, wherein the structural frames have structural reinforcementsthat are selected from the group consisting of metal rods, meshes andcombinations thereof.
 17. The building system of claim 16, wherein thestructural reinforcements are joined together by elements selected fromthe group consisting of welding, overlaps, wire mooring and combinationsthereof.
 18. The building system of claim 16, wherein the structuralreinforcements are pre-stressed systems.
 19. The building system ofclaim 1, wherein the structural frames have reinforcements thatwithstand the terrain reaction loads.
 20. The building system of claim4, wherein a structural frame has structural reinforcements in the firsthorizontal slab (3), with reinforcing elements having a greater diameterat the top of the first horizontal slab (3) and reinforcing elementshaving a lesser diameter at the bottom of the first horizontal slab (3).21. The building system of claim 4, wherein a structural frame hasstructural reinforcements at the top of the first horizontal slab (3),comprising a ½″ size diameter steel mesh (14) and structuralreinforcements at the bottom of the first horizontal slab (3),comprising a ⅜″ size diameter steel mesh (13).
 22. The building systemof claim 4, wherein a structural frame has structural reinforcements inthe first vertical slab (1) and in the second vertical slab (2),comprising a ⅜″ structural steel mesh (14).
 23. The building system ofclaim 4, wherein a structural frame has structural reinforcements in thesecond horizontal slab (4), that is a preferred ½″ bottom diameterstructural steel mesh (44). And in the top of the second horizontal slab(4) the preferred reinforcement of this slab is a preferred ⅜″ diameterstructural steel mesh (43).
 24. The building system of claim 4, whereina structural frame has structural reinforcements in the first horizontalslab (3), that is a ½″ bottom diameter structural steel mesh (14). Inthe top of the first horizontal slap (3) the preferred reinforcement isa preferred ⅜″ diameter structural steel mesh (13).
 25. The buildingsystem of claim 4, wherein a structural frame has structuralreinforcements in the
 26. The building system of claim 4, located on thesecond horizontal slab (4), having at least one sloping surface whichconnects to a drainage channel, and water collection ducts.
 27. Thebuilding system of claim 26, wherein the sloping surface iswaterproofed.
 28. The building system of claim 1, wherein the connectingmeans that join the structural frames both horizontally and vertically,are selected from the group consisting of inner rigid bonds, such asreinforced steel rods (19) joint with welded (20), overlapped (21),geometric assemblies, chamfer assemblies (22), tongue and groove (23)assemblies, both with single supports or with mortar, metal flat bars(24), metal rod mechanical joints (25), bolt or screw mechanical joints(26), and combinations thereof.
 29. The building system of claim 1,wherein the connecting means that join the structural frames bothhorizontally and vertically, are selected from the group consisting offlat bars, bolts, rods or the like, and combinations thereof.
 30. Thebuilding system of claim 1, wherein the connecting means that join thestructural frames both horizontally and vertically, are selected fromthe group consisting of mastics, mortars, concretes or the like, andcombinations thereof.
 31. The building system of claim 1, wherein theconnecting means that join the structural frames both horizontally andvertically, is a flexible element.
 32. The building system of claim 4,wherein the connecting means that join the structural frames bothhorizontally and vertically, is a flexible element located on thestructural frame slab edges, which finish adhering by means of thepressure made in order to join the structural frames together.
 33. Thebuilding system of claim 31, wherein the flexible element is selectedfrom the group comprising neoprene, rubbers, plastics, elastic packagingand combinations thereof.
 33. The building system of claim 1, whereinthe connecting means that join both horizontally and vertically, arepost-stressed metal wires (33).
 34. A building structure comprising aplurality of structural frames interconnected both horizontally andvertically in assemblies, located in such a manner that at the samelevel or height, a sequence of sets of structural frames and void spacesexists.
 35. The building structure of claim 34, wherein the plurality ofstructural frames connected both horizontally and vertically, arelocated on other structural frames in a height sequence of frames andvoid spaces.